German designer Konstantin Grcic emphasizes the profound impact of Madrid on his life and work, blending craftsmanship and industry in his acclaimed designs.
Konstantin Grcic, a renowned German designer and winner of the MDF Award 2026, reflects on the pivotal role Madrid has played in his artistic journey. His creations, characterized by their radical functionality and aesthetic appeal, merge traditional craftsmanship with modern industrial design. Notably, his Medici chair, designed for Mattiazzi in 2012, serves as a nostalgic reminder of his early training as a carpenter, illustrating how his experiences have shaped his design philosophy.
Grcic recounts his formative years spent at the John Makepeace School for Craftsmen in Wood in Dorset, UK, where he discovered design as a driving force of creativity. This exposure, alongside his hands-on experience with crafting furniture before the digital era transformed the design landscape, has equipped him with a unique perspective that influences his work today. He emphasizes that understanding the intrinsic qualities of materials and hands-on crafting are essential components of his identity as a designer.
As Grcic continues to evolve his practice, he acknowledges that the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design principles allows him to transcend geographical boundaries. His commitment to innovation while paying homage to his roots exemplifies how place and experience have profoundly impacted his artistic expression, thus contributing to the broader discourse on contemporary design.
